Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

-Early Life

William David Shannon was born on July 1888 and lived with his mother, Louisa Shannon and his older brother Thomas Patrick Shannon on William Street, Norwood, South Australia. Before enlistment in 1916, William’s occupation was a Clerk. His brother, T.P Shannon (no. 3897), also served in World War 1 as a Private fighting as part of the 50th Infantry Battalion along the Western Front. Unfortunately, he was killed in action aged 29 before the enlistment of his brother.

When William was eleven years old, he injured his right knee playing Australian Rules Football. As a result of this injury, he laid in bed for two years resting his leg. Due to the lack of movement in his knee during this period of time, he developed Synovitis. Synovitis is the medical term for inflammation of the synovial membrane and it’s very painful when the joint is moved. Due to the pain of the Synovitis, William was unable to fully extend his right leg for the rest of his life. However, despite this disadvantage, he enlisted, age 28 and 3 months on October 3rd, 1916 as a Private, part of the 32nd Infantry Battalion. He was 5 feet, 9 inches tall, well-built with a medium complexion and had brown hair and brown eyes.

 -Service

On the 16th of December 1916, William embarked from Adelaide boarding the HMAT A35 Berrima. Exactly two months later, he disembarked in Davenport, England and was moved into the 8th Training Battalion where he would undergo basic training. The aim of training was to build up physical fitness and improve self-discipline, obedience and military skills necessary for war. 

After being hospitalised with influenza, he proceeded to France to be part of the 32nd Infantry Battalion in late 1917. Between October and December, the 32nd Infantry Battalion was involved in stop-start fighting along the border of France and Belgium, around Ypres and Locre. This was an important area of battle for the Triple Entente as this prevented any further advances by the German forces into France.

After his arrival in France, William was transferred into the General Headquarters, 3rd Echelon of the ANZAC section. This service provided the Front Line with essential military supplies, medical services, depots, base camps and engineering services to sustain fighting against the Germans. 

In 1918, February 1st, William was taken on strength to be promoted to Corporal (for unknown reasons) and transferred to the General Headquarters of the Australian section while continuing to work as part of the 3rd Echelon. For the first half of 1918, the 32nd Infantry Battalion was involved in smaller fights in France, although had a relatively quiet time during the German Spring Offensive.

On the 8th of August 1918, 75,000 men marched to the Front Line in France to prepare for the Battle of Amiens. More than 500 tanks and 2,000 planes accompanied these troops as well as the many soldiers working behind Front Lines, like William. This assisted in the Triple Entente’s victory that helped bring the war to an end. As the Triple Entente troops advanced on the first day with its heavy firepower and the element of surprise, the German forces suffered significant casualties (27,000) and thousands of prisoners were captured (12,000). The Triple Entente won the first day of battle, only suffering 6,500 casualties. However, the next three days of fighting were slow due to the disorganisation of the Triple Entente and the return fire from the German forces made any significant advances impossible.

The 32nd Infantry Battalion fought its final battle in Hebecourt, France, September 1918 before resting and retraining as the war ended on the 11th of November, 1918.

At the end of his service in June 1919, William was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal to commend his act of service in World War 1. 

The Victory Medal was awarded to those who served between August 5th, 1914 and November 11th, 1918. This medal was never awarded individually and was always accompanied with the British War Medal. The medal is attached to a rainbow coloured ribbon and in the centre is a winged figure holding a palm branch in her right hand which symbolises victory.

The British War Medal was the most common campaign medal issued. It was awarded to those who fought overseas between August 5th, 1914 and November 11th, 1918. The Medal is attached to a ribbon of the British colours and stamped around the outside of the medal is the recipient’s last rank and service number.

After his detachment from War, it’s unknown how William spent the remainder of his life. However, it was recorded that he died on November 19th, 1952 aged 63.

-The ANZAC Spirit

The ANZAC Spirit is defined as the characteristics of courage, mateship, sacrifice and loyalty that the ANZAC troops displayed while fighting during the Gallipoli Campaign. Even today the ANZAC legend is remembered by millions as well as all the soldiers who have fought for our country. 

William David Shannon truly displayed the ANZAC Spirit throughout his time of service during World War 1. Even though he did not serve on the Front Line, he reflected the ANZAC Spirit by enlisting despite his medical condition. He showed great courage and loyalty in wanting to serve his country as part of the 32nd Infantry Battalion supporting those fighting on the Front Line.